PHILIP WEBB (1831-1915) FOR MORRIS & CO.
ARTS & CRAFTS TABLE, CIRCA 1870
oak
183cm long, 76.5cm high, 82cm deep
Literature: Whiteway M. and Gere C. Nineteenth Century Design: From Pugin to Mackintosh, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1993, p.78, pl.76Morris & Company Catalogue, circa 1914, p. 27, no. 519 where a line drawing of this table design is illustrated.Note: This scarce table designed by Philip Webb for Morris & Co. is based on an original design by Webb for Red House in Bexleyheath which he also designed for his friend William Morris in 1859. Two tables were made for the hall, described later by May Morris as ‘the first one’. Early examples of the table, including one made for the Burne-Joneses at the time of their marriage in 1860, were made by major Gillum's Boy's Club in the Euston Road. Morris approved of the solid joinery construction, disliking furniture that was 'so very light as to be nearly imponderable; it should be made of timber rather than walking sticks. The original design was adapted by Webb for sale at Morris & Co. and proved to be an enduring model for the firm, still appearing as a design in their catalogue as late as 1914.